Craftsman Cordless Impact Wrench

[Stuey]

I posted a preview of the new Craftsman 3/8" cordless impact wrench over at TG this morning. I'm not sure when it's due to be released, but ETA is said to be Q2 2012.

Has anyone used the 1/2" C3 impact wrench, and what are your thoughts about it? I gave away a driver and impact kit some time ago, and recall their being a lot of interest in the impact, but don't really remember details.

 

[Regnar]

It might be a feeler. The photo seems to be photo shopped otherwise I wonder what the 1/4 phillips drive on the handle is for.

 

[Stuey]

It might be a feeler. The photo seems to be photo shopped otherwise I wonder what the 1/4 phillips drive on the handle is for.

lol, I was waiting to see if anyone else caught that. I've seen some impacts come with square to hex adapters, but never with onboard hex bit storage. I'm also not sure why one has a black nose cap but not the other.

 

[porphyre]

Lol, I just posted the same question on your blog.

It's great they're still releasing new stuff for C3. It seems battery "systems" stay around long enough for early adopters to prove they're good, then as us more conservative folks start buying in, they're ****, gone from the shelves.

Not sure I'd buy the 3/8", but it's good to see something new.

 

[kissmeimgerman]

I had the 1/2 C3 for a couple days, would not remove the lugs on my Jeep Liberty - ended up returning it since thats all I need it for. Back to the compressor!

 

[Stuey]

Lol, I just posted the same question on your blog.

It's great they're still releasing new stuff for C3. It seems battery "systems" stay around long enough for early adopters to prove they're good, then as us more conservative folks start buying in, they're ****, gone from the shelves.

Not sure I'd buy the 3/8", but it's good to see something new.

It is reassuring to see new additions. I do wish that the Craftsman Pro lineup hadn't disappeared. Maybe eventually there will be a new Li-ion-focused lineup, but probably not in the foreseeable future.

 

[Stuey]

Update: I received new images that don't show any 1/4" hex bit holder.

 

[Tunger]

I have the 1/2". I really like the thing, I use it at the shop for flat repairs and other misc. stuff when I don't want to drag an air hose out. It sees a lot of use on interiors for seat bolts and the like. This one was given to me by my dad, he bought several in a lot at auction and wanted me to try it out, I'm sold. Kinda want to see what a 3/8 version would be like.

 

[gt eunuch]

Pictures do not work for me unfortunately;

This is awesome, I would love to see a side by side comparison between the 3/8 and the 1/2. I wonder if they have the same physical body, with a different (shorter) nose cone?

Pretty excited they went with the hog ring style detent aswell; a VERY welcome addition. I wish they would do that with their 1/2"

 

[Hootbro]

I have the 1/2" C3 Impact and it works fine for what I use in casual weekend duty.

Used it just last weekend in rotating my Tundra and wife's FJ tires. With a fresh charge NI-CD, it handled the job fine. It might have done a third vehicle on that same battery but I think I would have been pushing my luck. I do not own any LI-ION batteries for my C3 stuff, so I can not comment if that would have made a difference.

 

[kissmeimgerman]

I have the 1/2" C3 Impact and it works fine for what I use in casual weekend duty.

Used it just last weekend in rotating my Tundra and wife's FJ tires. With a fresh charge NI-CD, it handled the job fine. It might have done a third vehicle on that same battery but I think I would have been pushing my luck. I do not own any LI-ION batteries for my C3 stuff, so I can not comment if that would have made a difference.

I had the slim lithium c3s and on a full charge my lugs didn't budge, maybe the larger batteries make the difference? Oh well back to air.

 

[porphyre]

I had the slim lithium c3s and on a full charge my lugs didn't budge, maybe the larger batteries make the difference? Oh well back to air.

Lugs over torqued or something was wrong with your tool.

Wife's lugs are torqued to 103 ftlbs and my gun takes 'em off with only 1-2 hammers. Her lower strut bolts were torqued to 150 and a little heat and PBlaster took 'em off quick. And I live in the rustbelt...

 

[kissmeimgerman]

Lugs over torqued or something was wrong with your tool.

Wife's lugs are torqued to 103 ftlbs and my gun takes 'em off with only 1-2 hammers. Her lower strut bolts were torqued to 150 and a little heat and PBlaster took 'em off quick. And I live in the rustbelt...

Yeah I let it pound away with no luck, i probably should have exchanged it but I didn't. B)

 

[vgs8606]

My C3 NiCd took out axle nut which was on the vehicle for 12 years in rust belt. Factory torque spec is 180 ft-lb. I was thoroughly impressed.

 

[JWink]

I used mine at a tire shop. I needed to recharge the battery after about 2 sets of tires. I did an 8 lug heavy duty pick up truck no problems. I love that thing. For the price I can't complain at all.

 

[Hootbro]

I had the slim lithium c3s and on a full charge my lugs didn't budge, maybe the larger batteries make the difference? Oh well back to air.

I think the larger batteries do make a difference and those slim batteries are not rated for it.

 

[Danglerb]

I've heard some battery packs need a few cycles before they hold a full charge, maybe they also need a few cycles before delivering full power?

 

[BigAl62]

I have the 1/2" version and I'm happy with it for light to medium duty use. I've been waiting for Sears to do a 3/8" version, I'll buy one to try. At 130 lb/ft of torque it beats my ancient Snap On 3/8" (CT30 if I remember correctly) that's rated for about 70 lb/ft or so and is very tired so it doesn't put out anywhere near that now.

 

[hughfree]

I have the 1/2" in C3 / NiCd set up that I purchased for a frame up restoration of my 88 step side. Absolutely no complaints...handled lug nuts, rear axle u-bolts, front suspension...
The only bolt that it could not handle was a rusted cab mount bolt. I have just purchased an almost new 1/2 Dewalt from CL with two NiCd batteries for $100.00...I let will let you know how they compare.

 

[phi2039]

It might be a feeler. The photo seems to be photo shopped otherwise I wonder what the 1/4 phillips drive on the handle is for.

Yeah...sometimes photo-ready samples are not available until right before shipment, so 'tweaked' photos, or even CAD models are the best we can do...

 

[bmwohio]

Do a search too, because there are a couple of threads talking about the C3 1/2" impact. I have had one for about a year now and have been very happy with it. I use it only for lug removal when racing. I arrive at my event site and swap out street tires for racing compound tires. I already had the C3 drill to start with so the Lithium Ion battery that came with my drill is interchangeable with my impact and whole line of others too at Sears if I decide to buy something. It's whole C3 line is ok IMO for a Shadetree/home fix it type of guy. I torque my wheels to about 90-100 ft lbs. and it takes them on and off no problem.

I went to about 15 events this past season it it would take the lugs on and off at each event at the beginning of the day and then again at the end when I was headed home and needed to put my street tires back on.

I would give it a pass for lugs up to 100 ft lbs., but I have my home compressor with HF earthquake at home for all other jobs.

Stuey, I love your site BTW.....I just posted on there, thanking you, about buying a Bench grinder based on your comparison between Sears, Lowes, and HD

 

[powertrip]

Maybe someone can verify this for me. I have read somewhere that the neon green 1/2 ryobi impact is the same as the c3 craftsman. Anyone know this to be true? They sure look similar. I have alot of 18v ryobi stuff and would like to try it if it does as good a job as the craftsman.

 

[Stuey]

Do a search too, because there are a couple of threads talking about the C3 1/2" impact. I have had one for about a year now and have been very happy with it. I use it only for lug removal when racing. I arrive at my event site and swap out street tires for racing compound tires. I already had the C3 drill to start with so the Lithium Ion battery that came with my drill is interchangeable with my impact and whole line of others too at Sears if I decide to buy something. It's whole C3 line is ok IMO for a Shadetree/home fix it type of guy. I torque my wheels to about 90-100 ft lbs. and it takes them on and off no problem.

I went to about 15 events this past season it it would take the lugs on and off at each event at the beginning of the day and then again at the end when I was headed home and needed to put my street tires back on.

I would give it a pass for lugs up to 100 ft lbs., but I have my home compressor with HF earthquake at home for all other jobs.

Stuey, I love your site BTW.....I just posted on there, thanking you, about buying a Bench grinder based on your comparison between Sears, Lowes, and HD

Thanks for sharing your experience with the 1/2" version and for the kind words!

Maybe someone can verify this for me. I have read somewhere that the neon green 1/2 ryobi impact is the same as the c3 craftsman. Anyone know this to be true? They sure look similar. I have alot of 18v ryobi stuff and would like to try it if it does as good a job as the craftsman.

There is a good chance they're made by the same OEM, but the internals might be difference.